Remembering a beloved student

The student-teacher relationship goes far beyond the classroom.  Some teachers give their lives to their students, but there are others, like PSU Spanish major Brett Carlson, who give their lives for their students.  Carlson was drowned in the Pacific Ocean on a trip with students to Costa Rica in June of 2002. 

Carlson was on the beach when four of his students were swept out to sea in strong waves.  He was able to save one, but lost his life in the attempt to save the three others.

The Pittsburg State University Department of Modern Languages and Literatures are remembering Carlson by endowing a scholarship in his name.

“We had to raise ten thousand dollars in order to endow the scholarship,” said Dr. Judy Berry-Bravo, Chair of the Department. “Our students put on bake sales.  The department created and sold a cook book.  It has taken quite a while to reach our goal.”

“This scholarship will make it possible for future students to know about Brett and his tremendous courage.”